Raman Analysis of Roman Mosaics From the Upper Guadalquivir Valley (Spain)

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the spectroscopic analyses carried out on two mosaics in the province of Jaén (Spain). They were part of a wider research project (GeoChemMos) aimed at geochemically characterising and highlighting the value of a group of mosaics discovered in the Upper Guadalquivir region. The first, the Tethys Mosaic, was analysed in situ at the Museum of Jaén using portable Raman equipment. In the second case, the El Altillo Mosaic, a group of loose tesserae was analysed using benchtop Raman, EDXRF instruments. This study was complemented with a petrographic analysis. The methodology used in both cases resulted in a good characterisation of the wide repertoire of coloured tesserae analysed, with a predominance of those made of limestone. Particularly noteworthy was the presence of ferruginous rocks in the Tethys Mosaic and lead glass tesserae in the El Altillo Mosaic both being rather unusual materials, which gives both mosaics a unique character.